I was injured in a Palm Beach County car crash. My dog was also in the car and sustained some serious injuries. The vet bills are very high and I am not able to work until I recover from my injuries. Does my auto insurance cover my pet?

A:

For many, pets are members of the family. If the pet is injured in a Palm Beach car accident, there is no question that the injuries should be treated. Unfortunately, to the insurance companies, pets are not people. Whether your pet is covered depends on your policy and auto insurance company.

Most insurance companies do not provide coverage for pet passengers, but some insurance companies offer an additional policy for pets that will cover medical care regardless of fault. For example, Progressive offers a special auto injury policy that covers up to $1,000 of medical care for pets. Depending on the extent of the injuries, $1,000 may not be enough.

Another option is pet health insurance, which covers medical bills if the pet becomes ill or injured regardless of the cause. There may be a deductible, and certain conditions and medications may not be covered.

In some cases, your pet’s injuries may be covered by the other driver’s property damage liability coverage. Every case is different, so you may want to discuss your claim with a Palm Beach accident lawyer.

If you frequently travel with your pet, you may want to consider pet insurance before an accident happens, as well as taking steps to keep your pet safe in the car.

David Glatthorn, a car accident attorney in Palm Beach County offers these tips:

1. Restrain your pet. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest restraint for your pet. Not only can the right restraint prevent injuries, but it can also prevent frightened pets from running into traffic and being hit after an accident.
2. Don't let your pet distract you. Keep your pet out of the front seat and avoid petting or playing with your dog while driving.

If you have questions about an injured pet, contact David Glatthorn at 866-413-5525.